Talk Wisdom's goal is to defend the tenets and values of Biblical Christian faith. We defend our Constitutional Republic and Charters of Freedom, especially when speaking out against destructive social and political issues. As followers of our Savior and Lord, we should boldly stand up for Jesus Christ in our present circumstances. He is our Savior, Lord, and King, and His love needs to be shed abroad in our hearts and in our world – now.

Archive for February, 2015

When there is so much turmoil, religious strife, devastation, cruelty, murders, beheadings, and downright evil going on in the world, I often ask God what He would want me to write about here at this blog.

On Sunday, I saw another wonderful and relevant message entitled, Shoes of the Gospel of Peace in Dr. David Jeremiah’s current series on Spiritual Warfare. Viewing that sermon and letting the important message sink in stirred my soul and gave me encouragement to continue my ministry efforts here at Talk Wisdom!

But then…this morning my heart was, once again, deeply grieved as we get the terribly gruesome report that 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians have been beheaded by ISIL.

The murderous terrorist group now wants to take their jihad into Rome; desiring an evil attempt at attacking the Pope.

The article link above states, “ISIS is taking global jihad to the Arab world.” At least there are three leaders in the Middle East who refuse to dither and golf [like 0Zero does!] during this crisis! Well, it’s not only Arab countries where they are doing their killing rampage. These sub-humans are out to conquer the world in Europe and the Scandinavian countries as well. When will they hit America again? I have no idea.

Received a text from one of my good friends who is great at following what is going on around the world and how it relates to the end times. We always have a lot to talk about.

She wrote:

“We need to pray and ask for God’s help. The evil is growing and as in WWII, we need to be the power for good. This really does look like end times, and our comfort bubble is about to break”

I wrote:

“I said something similar to your comparison of what’s happening today to WWII with my husband this morning. It wasn’t until Japan bombed Pearl Harbor that we got involved; despite the horrific Holocaust going on. These days, we have no excuse because information is readily available on the internet.

Yes, but as before we want our material world to stay the way it is, and we have a Muslim pResident this time. We Christians and Jews need to stand up for God, because it is time…

I wrote:

“I agree – but a lot of people just do not want to hear it.”

She wrote:

“I know, but we need to remember what happened before. We also need to remember this is a Christian nation and we are the majority.

Did you realize that they beheaded the Coptic Christians on the shores of Tripoli? If that is not a message to us in the U.S., I don’t know what is.”

I replied that I heard about this awful massacre when I woke up early to take the dogs out. I also stated that “Italy is next” because the Pope spoke against these horrific mass killings.

My thinking is that the killings of the three North Carolina Muslim students is probably going to trigger an attack here. I just don’t know when or where.

She wrote:

“We need a strong Christian leader here quickly. Thank God for Glenn Beck. At least he tells us what is happening. We just need to rally together.”

I wrote:

“I think that Scott Walker would be a great president! The trouble is, the idiot voters who want freebies won’t vote for him.”

My friend is exactly right when she wrote, “Yes, but as before we want our material world to stay the way it is.”

So true! Everyone from this BADministration, to Congress [except for maybe a new Congressman from Texas – Brian Babin – who isn’t afraid to speak up] , to the courts, to We the People – want our material world to stay the way it is. This is a big reason why lies are rampant, immorality is growing, greed of the elite is “king,” and our nation is suffering the consequences of the current fall from grace. The Bible verse that says what we need most now is this one:

2Ch 7:14

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! We are the ones “called according to His purpose.”

What does that mean?

It means that we are to do our best to watch, work, share, and warn others of what is to come. This is precisely why every Christian should be familiar with Bible prophecy and be able to recognize the signs of the times. We are heading towards end times prophecy at lightening speed! Of course, no one knows the day nor hour, but Jesus Christ Himself told us in Matthew 16 and Luke 17:26-30, to recognize the signs of the times.

Luk 17:26

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:

Luk 17:27

“They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luk 17:28

“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;

Luk 17:29

“but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.

Luk 17:30

“Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Take special note of this verse:

Mat 16:4

“A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet [fn] Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

The “sign of the prophet Jonah” refers to Christ’s three days in the grave after the crucifixion for the forgiveness of sins (offered to all of mankind!), and then the resurrection to life on that first glorious Resurrection Sunday! The Gospel of Christ is what we are to focus on – sharing with as many people as we can – which is the only way of salvation.

While walking my dogs this morning, I texted my friend and wrote:

“Each day when I walk the dogs I enjoy the freedom and the peace that we have here in the United States. I thank God for his blessings and pray that He will continue to bless our nation and protect our people.

So many have forgotten the God of the Bible and His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is up to us Christians to hold up us all in prayer.”

My friend wrote back:

“Yes I have been praying a lot for that as well. I think we need huge group prayers now and not be afraid.”

Hours later, I picked up a copy of BIOLA University’s monthly magazine (Fall, 2014) which was sitting in a stack of unread mail on my desk. The timely topic was “The Freedom To Be A Christian College.” As religious convictions are met with new legal challenges, what’s at stake for universities like BIOLA?

You can read the highly informative and timely edition in its entirety online:

In the section entitled, “What Can We Do?” we read that Christians should defend religious freedom globally.

Excerpt:

What Can We Do?

What can Christian institutions like Biola do to better position themselves for present and future challenges to religious freedom?

1. Defend religious freedom globally

Religious freedom may be an increasing challenge in the U.S. but it has been and continues to be an even more dramatic, life-and-death challenge globally. Christians are being killed for their faith and driven from their homes in Iraq and Syria. In North Korea there are at least 70,000 believers in labor camps. In Egypt, many Christians cannot walk down the street without fearing for their lives.

Junior Mourin Serour knows this firsthand. After growing up outside Cairo, she and her Coptic Christian family fled to America in 2011 after it became too dangerous for them to stay in Egypt. As a Christian woman in a Muslim-majority nation, simply walking in public without wearing a hijab made Serour a target. Her life was threatened on numerous occasions.

Serour said it’s “amazing” to be in a safe Christian environment like Biola, where she is studying biology with hopes of one day returning to Egypt as a dentist, but she does find that many Christians in America don’t fully appreciate the freedom they have.

“Just peacefully walking the street is something Americans take for granted,” she said. “If we step outside of America and see what is going on in the world we should be so thankful.”

On one hand, Christians in America could look at what’s happening around the world and find our religious freedom challenges here almost laughably minor by comparison. But on the other hand, it could give us a view into where we may be headed, said David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA.

“Right now persecution is episodic in the West and it’s not episodic in the Middle East and in North Korea — it’s constant,” said Curry, whose organization aids persecuted Christians around the world. “I think we have to understand that persecution of Christians will be the issue in the next generation and beyond.”

Curry believes that what is happening in small ways with religious freedom in America can give Christians a heightened sensitivity to what is happening to Christians globally. He hopes American Christians will pray for the persecuted church but also help meet their practical needs, like loving and welcoming expatriates and refugees, like Serour, who come to the U.S. to escape persecution.

Judith Rood, professor of history and Middle Eastern studies at Biola, agrees with Curry that a sense of solidarity with persecuted Christians in other cultures is essential.

“We need to pray for [Middle Eastern Christians], but we also need to see these people as part of us,” Rood said. “We have to broaden our idea of what it means to be a Christian, and not just in our American context. I think we need to have a sense that we are the church; we are the movement.”

Rom 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Read all of Romans 8*[also below] for it highly describes what we are facing today and just Whom the victors will be!

Hat tips to all links.

Romans 8

Rom 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, [fn] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Rom 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:3

For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

Rom 8:4

that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Rom 8:5

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Rom 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom 8:7

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Rom 8:8

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Rom 8:9

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Rom 8:10

And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Rom 8:12

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Rom 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Rom 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Rom 8:15

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Rom 8:16

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Rom 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Rom 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Rom 8:20

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;

Rom 8:21

because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Rom 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Rom 8:23

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Rom 8:24

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

Rom 8:25

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Rom 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us [fn] with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Rom 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Rom 8:29

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Rom 8:30

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Rom 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Rom 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Rom 8:33

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Rom 8:34

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Rom 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:36

As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” [fn]

Rom 8:37

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

In addition to the blog post at Nice Deb, take note of these two comments over at Breitbart:

Rev. Wright in 2008: Christian Crusades, Islamic Jihad Same

Reverend Jeremiah was a Muslim before he took on Black Liberation Theology, a Black racist cult that pretends to be Christian. What Christian preaches “God D*mn America” instead of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

The “hope and change” Obama has planned all along is inextricably linked to Islam and Obama’s friends have made quite clear their islamic sleeper cell’s activities:

Consider Valerie Jarett, Obama’s closest confident and chief of staff, who said at Stanford University, “I am an Iranian by
birth and of my Islamic faith. I am also an American citizen and I seek to help change America to be a more Islamic country. My faith guides me and I feel like it is going well in the transition of using freedom of religion in America against itself.”

Or consider Omar Ahmed, Chairman of the Board of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) who advocates, “Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Qur’an should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”

There’s also Mohammed Elibiary, who in 2013 tweeted, “Yes I do consider the United States of America an Islamic country with an Islamically compliant constitution.” A member of the Department of Homeland Security’s presidential Advisory Council, Elibiary is close to Shukri Abu Baker, who was convicted for funding terrorism through Hamas via his charity to which Elibiary financially contributed.

And consider these Muslim Brotherhood members who hold high level positions in the Obama Administration: Arif Alikhan, assistant secretary of Homeland Security for Policy Development; Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference; Salam al-Marayati, co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council; and Eboo Patel, member of Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based Neighborhood Partnerships.

In case you were wondering where Obama got the idea to compare Islamic Jihad to the Crusades.

This “smart take” was posited by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright in February of 2008 while he was giving a speech at Michigan State University as part of the William G. Anderson Slavery to Freedom lecture series.

The theme of the speech — religious arrogance, in the form of fundamentalism –which in (*former Muslim) Reverend Wright’s telling, caused the Christian Crusades.

Rev. Wright said all religious fundamentalist think, “Do you see some people who are infidels? They are to be killed. We can not live together. You have Jihad, Crusades. You must be killed.”

Wright continued, “When you have that kind of Euro-centric ignorance, you’re not only superior but you start demonizing others who are different,” adding, until you have “the Christian Crusades. Just kill all the Muslim infidels.”

This is a must see – must LISTEN TO video of a 4-Star Admiral who slams Obama and how he let the Muslim brotherhood infiltrate all of our National Security agencies across the country, including all of our intelligence agencies.

Excerpt:

Calling on all Military leaders and the new GOP controlled Congress to STAND UP to the Obama administration and UPHOLD their oaths, Admiral Lyons tells us we “have a hell of a job” ahead of us in warning that the Muslim Brotherhood has now completely infiltrated the National Security agencies across the country, including all of our intelligence agencies.

This video is a must watch and completely confirms our military being disarmed by Obama and should send a strong warning to all Christians, 2nd Amendment supporters, gun owners, freedom lovers, those who still follow the US Constitution and everyone else who loves America: time is running out.

Army Lt. General Michael Flynn (retired) is asked, and answers, many of the questions (and confusion being put forth) about what the Obama Administration is NOT doing and reveals how Obama’s ISIS strategy is falling short.

Photo of Benjamin Netanyahu at U.N. demonstrating how close Iran is to creating a nuclear bomb. HT: eaworldview.com

Have you been hearing that many Democrats, including VP Joe Biden, have planned to not attend the speech in front of the joint session of Congress that will be given by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu in March? Are you wondering why they don’t want to attend and hear what Netanyahu has to say?

Western Journalism explains the reason why the WH [and, especially, Valerie Jarrett – “Obama’s Rasputin”] is so scared of what Benjamin Netanyahu will share with Congress and the American People.

Excerpt:

Now, the Jerusalem Post is reporting that the Obama administration has already given Iran eighty percent of what it has demanded in the negotiations. The “deal” to be reached will leave Iran within months of going nuclear if they decide to move forward. All of the centrifuges will remain under their control.

This “deal” is not a deal, but an appeasement.

The Post reports: “Jerusalem officials appear alarmed at the prospect that the United States will soon strike a deal with the Iranian regime that will leave it with a ‘breakout capacity’ of months during which it can gallop toward a nuclear bomb.”

This is what Valerie Jarrett is so scared of–that her secret deals with Iran to allow them to go nuclear will become public knowledge. She is scared Netanyahu will tell Congress and the American people what is really going on. We can’t have that, can we?

Why else would the White House be so scared that one of our closest and reliable allies is speaking to a co-equal branch of government?

A lot of great and informative comments over there, including these two:

Frank Giustiniani · Top Commenter · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

What is beyond scary is the fact that Obama is doing so many horrible things and committing acts of treason against the US and creating so many problems world wide that will lead us into WWIII and all the rest of our government has not stopped him and so what does that tell us about the rest of our government ?

Reply · · 30 · February 4 at 6:40am

Ray Ramirez · Top Commenter · American Honda

Frank Giustiniani you hit the nail on the head. The fact that congress hasn’t done anything to stop Obama, jarret and soros tells us exactly who is in charge. Boehner has already stated that there will be no impeachment for Obama in the next two years. That in itself tells us they are on obama’s side. Obama has done enough treasonous actions to have been convicted of treason many times over, yet congress does nothing to him. It shows George Soros is actually in charge to destroy America and Jarret gets her orders from him and then runs the puppet Obama around like a dog. They are out to convert America to a muslim nation and congress doesn’t even attempt to stop them. I believe it will take a revolution to stop this conversion. I just wish our military would uphold their oath to defend the constitution against this domestic enemy, Obama, holder, jarret and soros. Also, I sure hope they don’t approve of this traitor lynch as well for Ag, but I know it is just a formality before she is sworn in. That also shows congress has no balls. Lynch has openly stated she will go against the constitution to help Obama to his evil illegal work.

Even though that commenter above is worried that Congress won’t do anything to stop these treasonous actions, I’m still holding out some hope that this move by Boehner will allow the truth to come out to the American people as well as people all around the world!

Remember, the network news outlets (and even some cable stations) like to block out negative press about pResident Zero and his ilk. However, the networks will be forced to cover this speech because it will be a world-wide news event!

HT for graphic: teamfamilyonline.com

Are you one of the uninformed see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil, TV zombies who thinks that the blocking out of this BADministration’s negative activities (more like treasonous and traitorous deeds!) and the blocked press coverage about it all can’t possibly be true?

In a final note here, I wanted to state something that I believed from the start when Zero was placed into office by deception, hiding his past and his records, and the blatant voter fraud (especially in 2012) that ushered in the most corrupt administration in U.S. history. I think that God had appointed Prime Minister Netanyahu to be the leader in Israel during Obama’s wretched and treasonous pro-Marxist/Islamic wanna-be dictatorship years in order to help keep America, as well as Israel, from total destruction via Iran finally getting a nuclear bomb. God is still holding onto both of our nations; despite the terrible and horrible influences of these evil traitors who currently occupy The People’s House in Washington D.C.

I continue to pray that we will get through this awful time in our nation’s history and gain a God-fearing, conservative, sensible, and pro-patriotic American leader who will help America to be restored, once again, through adherence to the wisdom, knowledge, and morality of God’s Word. May Christ’s mercy, grace and love continue to sustain us. Amen.

Many times I am much happier when I’m not listening to the news on TV. Yesterday, I was out for most of the morning and early afternoon. When I came home around 2:00 pm, my husband informed me that the Jordanian pilot, that was being held by ISIS, was burned alive in a cage in the desert. There is a 22 minute video showing this horrific death. I cannot bring myself to view it. However, this morning, Fox News channel shared Shepard Smith’s verbal description of what was done to this man, including the dropping of cement on top of his dead and burned body.

Later this morning, a Fox News Contributor stated that this act of barbarism was satanic. That is the first time that I have heard anyone label acts of terrorism as “satanic.” Walid Phares also appeared on Fox this morning and said that the burning of the man was significant because it is supposedly against the Muslim religion to kill someone that way. Hmmm….could Zero and his ilk be correct that this particular terrorist group is not genuinely “Islamic”? Nah…I don’t think so. Since when have any “rules” stopped radical Islamist terrorists from doing any type of horrific act? With the concept of taqiyya – where it is permissible for Muslims to lie in order to get their way – any unimaginable act of evil can be perpetrated by Islamic terrorists! They are truly satanic. No doubt about it.

In an upcoming devotional, Dr. David Jeremiah writes:

Troubled by Trouble?

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. Mark 13:7

[Recommended reading: Mark 13:5-13*]

The newspapers are filled with troubling stories–frightening pandemics and deadly viruses; radical extremists swallowing vast chunks of the Middle East; biblical standards collapsing in a culture that no longer fears the Lord. But remember, these things are predicted in advance. Notice that Jesus didn’t say “If you hear…,” but “When you hear…” Trouble will come, yet our Lord told us not to be troubled by trouble.

The Psalms teach us the same lesson. Ponder these verses: “In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion…This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles…God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me.” (Psalm 27:5;34:6; 46:1; 119:143; 138:7).

It’s not if but when. Yet God’s answer to trouble is trust; our answer to fear is faith.

Turning Point

Faith is the telegraphic wire which links earth and heaven…Am I in trouble? I can obtain help for trouble by faith.

Charles Spurgeon, from his sermon “The Necessity of Increased Faith”

* Mark 13:4-13

Mark 13:4

“Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

Mark 13:5

And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

Mark 13:6

“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.

Mark 13:7

“But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.

Mark 13:8

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. [fn] These are the beginnings of sorrows.

Mark 13:9

“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought [fn] before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.

Mark 13:10

“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

Mark 13:11

“But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate [fn] what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Mark 13:12

“Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

Mark 13:13

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. [bold mine]

HT for graphic: 3.bp.blogspot.com

No amount of philosophizing about a world without God brings hope…Atheism is bankrupt for answers.

The Bible calls the blaspheming of the Holy Spirit as the sin unto death. It is explained (as best I could) in the post below, using Scripture and sharing the reasons why such a sin is unpardonable. Briefly, it’s because the need for confession of sin, repentance of such sin, and the request to invite Jesus Christ the Savior to enter into the heart and live within you through the power of the Holy Spirit – is out-rightly rejected. Those who have heard the gospel, yet deliberately reject it for their entire earthly lives, and then go even further – by blaspheming the Holy Spirit of God – commit the final sin in their lives. The result is rejection of God for all eternity.

One extra note. The link in the post to the debate between two Christians and two atheists no longer displays the video at that site. However, it can be found at You Tube for those who would like to see it.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

During the Nightline debate, Does God Exist between Christian evangelists Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron against proclaimed atheists Brian and Kelly, both atheists claimed to have been Christians in the past. Of course, that is between God and themselves, however, we can get a hint about their spiritual condition based on what the Bible tells us is the “sin unto death” and what the two atheists are saying now.

So-called “ex”-Christians are often revealed as formerly false Christians anyway. They may have had “head” knowledge about Christ, but hadn’t made the decision to invite him into their hearts as Lord and Savior. The act of being born-again is not reversible. We get a hint about this fact from this verse:

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (bold mine)

Once the Holy Spirit indwells the heart of a believer, it is a permanent conversion. Believers are then “sealed with God,” just as the angels who didn’t rebel against God (at the fall and casting out of Satan and 1/3 of the angels turned demons) were sealed unto God.

Rom 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

2Cr 1:22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (bold mine)

The meaning of “until the redemption of the purchased possession” refers to the fact that we were purchased by the shed blood of Jesus at Calvary and when we stand before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ, it will be his righteousness that is imputed upon us for redemption; not anything that we did here on earth.

Also, since we still have that “human sin nature” to deal with, Christians still sin (I just did yesterday), but we regret and repent of it because we know that it grieves the Holy Spirit.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (bold mine)

In the cases of Brian and Kelly, [Note: the atheists in the video link] their final act of blaspheming the Holy Spirit is not just a sin, but the “sin unto death” (meaning, the only unforgiveable sin leading to spiritual death and separation from God forever). They, as well, have sealed their fate.

Jhn 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1Jo 5:16If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Powerful verses! For easier understanding, read the New Living Translation version:

1Jo 5:16 If you see a Christian brother or sister[fn3] sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it.

1Jo 5:18 We know that those who have become part of God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them.

1Jo 5:19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.

1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

1Jo 5:21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.[fn4

This topic and sermon ranks up there within the top 10 messages that I have ever heard! ~ Christine

This Week’s Message

The Girdle of Truth

Isn’t it good to know that we’re not left defenseless in the arena of spiritual warfare? God has given us a full suit of armor! Dr. David Jeremiah teaches about the first piece of that armor, which is designed to help us press forward into battle with the enemy.

HT for graphic: ingodsimage.com

How do I arm myself with the girdle of truth?

In order to be armed with the truth, we must know the truth—the whole comprehensive counsel of God. God has put everything He wants us to know between the covers of the Bible—everything He wants us to know about Himself, about His Son, about eternity, and about life. And when we study God’s Word, carefully analyze and apply its truth, we end up with power in our lives.

Now, you might never memorize the whole Bible, but make it a priority to know your Bible well enough to know that there are certain places in Scripture where you are going to find answers. The more truth we know, the better equipped we are to go into battle and be victorious. And when you take God’s truth to yourself, then you can embody that truth in your life, and God will begin to show you how you can be victorious on the battlefield.

One of the highlights of the message is when Dr. Jeremiah shares an analogy regarding truth. It’s the story of the three baseball umpires.

One umpire states, “There are balls and there are strikes, and I call them as they are.”

The second umpire states, “That’s arrogant! There are balls and there are strikes, and I call them the way I see them.”

The third umpire states, “That’s no better, why beat around the bush? Why not be realistic about what we do. There are balls and there are strikes and it ain’t nothin’ until I call ’em.”

Dr. Jeremiah explains:

The first umpire represents the traditional view of truth. Objective, independent of the mind of the knower; it’s there to be discovered.

The second umpire speaks for modern relativism. Truth as he or she sees it; according to each person’s perspective or interpretation.

The third umpire bluntly expresses the post-modern position that truth is there to be discovered? No. It is for each of us to create our own truth and to speak our own truth into the situation. They ain’t nothin’ unless I call ’em balls or strikes.

Dr. Jeremiah continues:

But as Christians, we cannot borrow from the philosophy of this world. As Christians, we must be set on the objective truth of God’s Word. Truth isn’t about our objectives or our perceptions. It’s always about reality.

A majority of us could agree that we would like gravity to be suspended tomorrow, but our vote would have no impact upon reality. Americans embrace Democratic rule which gives us a voice to declare what is truth. But the universe isn’t a democracy, and truth isn’t a ballot measure.

You and I can discover truth, but we cannot create it. What’s true is true, and what’s not is not – for all of us, all the time. Our culture sees truth as something inside of us, subjected to revision according to our growth and enlightenment. But Scripture views truth as something outside of us; which we can believe or not believe. But it is still the truth no matter what we do to it.

People say, “well, I don’t believe this.” And I get the impression that because they don’t believe it that it seems no longer to be true. Well let me tell you something – truth is truth whether you believe it or not! Truth is not touched by your emotions, your opinion, or by your perception. And that is what’s being lost in our culture today. Today, there is no absolute truth anymore. Today, your truth may be different from my truth, but it doesn’t really matter. Isn’t all truth …just a “kind” of truth? No it’s not!

In a world so confused about truth, many people say, “if you are Christians and you think that you know the truth, then isn’t that arrogant on your part? But it’s not arrogant to believe what the Bible teaches! In fact, it’s the opposite. Arrogance is when we try to tailor truth to our preferences.

Dr. Jeremiah tells the story about when a lady approached him one time and said that “her” God would never send anyone to hell. Dr. Jeremiah replied, “you are absolutely right – because your god doesn’t exist!” That god doesn’t exist because you don’t get to create the kind of god that you want and what you want Him to do.

If you found the God of the Bible and how He created, why do you want to spend all of your waking hours trying to discover truth that you already know? If you don’t believe that truth is in the Bible, then search on, my friend!

But if you are a Christian and you believe that God has spoken, and it is true, then why spend all this time trying to find “truth” that isn’t going to be true when you find it?

The Word of God is true. And satan is busy trying to deceive. He continually tries to throw things at us that aren’t true.

The Bible

Click on image for Blue Letter Bible

Proverbs 2:2-5

"Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God"

About Christinewjc and this Talk Wisdom blog.

Married for 31 years to my wonderful husband! Two grown adult children and a son-in-law in whom we treasure and enjoy life.

Our family is very close and love to spend time with each other. We share a deep Christian faith, love for the Lord Jesus Christ and love for each other.

I earned a BA in education from Kean University in 1978. I have been studying the Bible for over 22 years and in 2003, upon successful completion of the course of study offered in the MA Lecture Series, earned a Christian Apologetics Certificate from Biola University.

This blog is named "Talk Wisdom" because one of the main purposes of writing here is to share the wisdom of God - the only absolute and true wisdom - that is contained within the Scriptures of the Bible. As a born-again Christian, it is my desire to heed and share Paul's encouragement and warnings in 2 Timothy 3:1-17

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:17 - that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Talk Wisdom's goal is to defend the tenets and values of Biblical Christian faith. We defend our Constitutional Republic and Charters of Freedom, especially when speaking out against destructive social and political issues. As followers of our Savior and Lord, we should boldly stand up for Jesus Christ in our present circumstances. He is our Savior, Lord, and King, and His love needs to be shed abroad in our hearts and in our world – now.

A quote to remember!

“We are to be obedient to God and that means we are to fight against sin. Talking about not judging and loving each other does not absolve us from our duty to correct and — if necessary — censure those who refuse to obey God’s laws. If this were the case, then God would have had no reason to even give us a law: He would have just said do not judge, just love and left it at that — but He did not do this. Instead, He told us to obey, and then gave us at least ten commands. If we love each other — Biblical love — then we will do everything we can to help each other keep those commands, not make it easier to break them. After all, how can we claim to love someone if we are in the process of making their path to hell easier to travel?”
~ Black3Actual from Oil For Your Lamp blog

Talk Wisdom's goal is to defend the tenets and values of Biblical Christian faith. We defend our Constitutional Republic and Charters of Freedom, especially when speaking out against destructive social and political issues. As followers of our Savior and Lord, we should boldly stand up for Jesus Christ in our present circumstances. He is our Savior, Lord, and King, and His love needs to be shed abroad in our hearts and in our world - now.

Faith in Jesus Christ is our response to God's elective purpose in our life. These two truths--God's initiative and man's response--co-exist throughout the Bible. The gospel is "the message of truth" because truth is its predominant characteristic. Salvation was conceived by the God of truth (Ps. 31:5); purchased by the Son, who is the truth (John 14:6); and is applied by the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). To know it is to know the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Believers are people of the truth (John 18:37), who worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and who obey the Word of truth (John 17:17). People have rejected, neglected, redefined, and opposed God’s truth for centuries. Some cynically deny that truth even exists or that it can be known by men (John 18:38). Others foolishly think that denying truth will somehow make it go away. Truth determines the validity of one's belief. Believing a lie doesn't make it true. Conversely, failing to believe the truth doesn't make it a lie. The gospel is true because Jesus is true, not simply because Christians believe in Him. His resurrection proved the truth of His claims and constitutes the objective basis of our faith (Rom. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:3). Truth is our protection and strength (Eph. 6:14). Throughout history, people have tried everything imaginable to gain favor with God. Most turn to religion, but religion apart from Christ is merely a satanic counterfeit of the truth. At the heart of every false religion is the notion that man can come to God by any means he chooses--by meditating, doing good deeds, and so on. But Scripture says, "There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). That name is Jesus Christ, and we come to Him by confessing and repenting of our sin, trusting in His atoning death on the cross, and affirming His bodily resurrection from the grave (cf. Rom. 10:9-10). There is no other way to God. False religious leaders and teachers talk much about God’s love, but not His wrath and holiness; much about how deprived of good things people are, but not about their depravity; much about God’s universal fatherhood toward everyone, but not much about his unique fatherhood toward all who believe in His Son; much about what God wants to give to us, but nothing about the necessity of obedience to Him; much about health and happiness, but nothing about holiness and sacrifice. Their message is full of gaps, the greatest of which leaves out a biblical worldview of the saving gospel and replaces it with the worldview of postmodernism with its dominant ethical system of relativism. The Bible describes mankind in the end times: “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). Spiritual answers cannot be deduced by human reason alone (1 Cor. 2:14). It’s not that spiritual truth is irrational or illogical, but that human wisdom is defective, because it’s tainted by man’s sinfulness, and unable to perceive the things of God. That is why the Bible is so important. It gives us the answers we can’t find on our own. It is God’s Word to mankind. Scripture is divinely revealed truth that fills the vacuum of spiritual ignorance in all of us. Post-truth is the word of the year for 2016 and also the philosophy of the day, According to the dictionary, “post-truth” means, “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” Simply put, we now live in a culture that seems to value experience and emotion more than truth. In a “post-truth” world, people make choices based on emotion and experience rather than objective fact. So in a post-truth world, truth is irrelevant. What exactly is a post-truth culture? It’s a culture where truth is no longer an objective reality. It has become subjective. It’s what’s true for me—my beliefs, my opinions, determine my truth. So in our post-truth culture, man determines truth. Man makes himself the ultimate authority. This starting point, which rejects God’s Word and the idea of moral absolutes, makes truth subjective. Truth will never go away no matter how hard one might wish. Christianity is grounded in objective truth. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Objective truth exists because we have God’s Word. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and Paul and James describe the Bible as “the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18). The Psalmist says, “The entirety of your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). Jesus Himself said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). When Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6), He wasn’t expressing His personal belief or opinion. He was speaking the truth, a fundamental reality that doesn’t change from person to person. It doesn’t matter if our culture thinks all roads lead to God. The truth of the matter is “no one comes to the Father but by [Jesus].” This blogs goal is to, in some small way, put a plug in the broken dam of truth and save as many as possible from the consequences—temporal and eternal. "The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it." - George Orwell

"Our threat is from the insidious forces working from within which have already so drastically altered the character of our free institutions — those institutions we proudly called the American way of life. " -- Gen. Douglas MacArthur